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UTSIS ALA Accredited Badge

Our American Library Association accredited, top-10 Master’s in Information Sciences program prepares students to effectively manage, navigate, analyze, and turn information into action in public and private sectors. Organizations produce enormous amounts of data, and individuals with a Master of Science in Information Sciences degree are in high demand to organize, manage, and analyze this data and advise about the future. From academic librarian to user experience designer, our MSIS program can prepare you for an enriching career in the library and information sciences.

➡️  View Application Requirements – No GRE Required

➡️  Request More Information about the MSIS Program


Information Lights the Way

“Information science professionals are uniquely positioned to address many of the most significant issues our society faces because of our strong orientation to community service, our passion for implementing and maintaining ethical and fair information practices, our deep technical expertise, and our creative ingenuity.”


What Can You do with an MSIS Degree?

Now more than ever, organizations throughout the public and private sector need professionals to manage, analyze and navigate their information. Due to this, many IS-related careers expect job growth rates and salaries well above national averages.

➡️  Learn More about Information Sciences Careers


Online & On-Campus Real-Time Courses

Whether you choose to pursue distance education and study 100% online or join us on Rocky Top, all classes promote strong interaction between faculty and students, and students enjoy the benefits of a tight-knit community and support system. Learn more about our online course delivery and explore reasons to study in Knoxville, Tennessee, ranked within the US top-50 places to live according to US News & World Report.


#1

Program in Library & Information Studies in the SEC, & Top 10 Nationally

US News & World Report

#11

School Library Media Licensure among Public Institutions

US News & World Report

#11

Digital Librarianship Program among Public Institutions

US News & World Report

 

Hands-on Learning & Career Preparation

The Master’s in Information Sciences program offers many hands-on learning opportunities, even in an online environment. The practicum program provides experiential learning for credit hours, which helps students connects the dots between coursework and workplace application, and sharpens their professional skills and abilities to solve real-world problems. A practicum is also a great way to network with IS leaders, and can even lead to employment!

 

Master's in Information Sciences Alum Amanda Liford

 

“I feel like they [SIS] have a finger on the pulse of what employers are looking for, and what is new and needed in the field, which I appreciate. I think they’re on the cutting-edge of the trending topics in information sciences, and really preparing graduates to get a job at the end of it.”

AMANDA LIFORD, ’19 Alum & Data Manager at the US Geological Survey


Nearly

90%

of MSIS graduates surveyed report employment in an IS field within the first year of graduation.


MSIS Program Outcomes

MSIS Student Achievement


Master’s in Information Sciences Program Pathways

IS is a broad field, and our Career Pathways are designed to help students craft programs of study that will prepare them for specific careers. The listed courses are not required or mandated, and are intended to provide helpful guidance for students navigating the SIS program, including achieving career and educational goals. Read our Career Pathways FAQs for more information.

Explore Our Pathways


36-Hour Customizable Curriculum

The MSIS degree requires 36 semester hours of graduate courses, including 27 hours of coursework in information sciences. Students may take up to 9 hours of graduate courses outside of the School, including a maximum of 6 hours outside the college. After completing our three required courses (INSC 511, 512, and 514), MSIS students work with one of our faculty members to craft a program to fit their learning and career goals. Visit our graduate course catalog to explore our IS courses.

Faculty Advisor

Each admitted student is assigned an SIS faculty member to serve as an advisor throughout the Master’s in Information Sciences journey and beyond. Faculty advisors assist students with creating an individualized program of study, which are aligned to their specific career goals and aspirations.

Master's in Information Sciences Alumni Kashif Graham on Faculty Relationships

“I really appreciated that my professors were not just about teaching in our online classes, it was about forming relationships. I didn’t think that we could do that through a digital medium. But we did and I know that these relationships will carry on with me throughout my career.”

Kashif Graham (‘19), Outreach Librarian

CAN I AFFORD IT?

The UT MSIS program is not only a nationally ranked, top-10 program in library and information studies according to US News & World Report, it is also among the most affordable online programs of its kind. Residents of Tennessee, Delaware, and West Virginia receive in-state tuition and residents of other US states, like Georgia, receive near-in-state tuition levels for online courses. Receive the same great educational experience whether you choose to study online or on-campus.

➡️ Explore Graduate Tuition & Fees

 

Engaging Research Opportunities

We encourage students, both on-campus and online, to engage in research projects during their time in the MSIS program. This might be working alongside a faculty member on an existing project, or conducting their own project under the supervision of a faculty member. Many student research projects align with the Volunteer Spirit of contributing to the common good.

  • Academic Libraries and Librarianship
  • Data Curation and Data Management
  • Evaluation and Assessment of Libraries and Information Services and Systems
  • Geographic and Scientific Information
  • Human-Computer Interaction and User Experience
  • Information Behavior, Information Literacy, and Information Retrieval
  • Information Communication Technology in Developing Economies
  • Information Policy and Intellectual Property
  • Library and Information Science Education
  • Open Source Software and Communities
  • Scholarly and Scientific Communication
  • Social Justice and Information Services
  • Social Media and Social Informatics
  • Youth Informatics and Youth Services

 

Graduate Certificates and Minors

Interested in furthering your information sciences graduate education by learning more about computer science, healthcare information, and/or working with youth? Explore our various graduate minor and certificate offerings:

 

Request More Information about the Master’s Program

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